When you connect directly to the internet, your device sends data through your local network and internet service provider (ISP). A virtual private network encrypts the connection between your device and a VPN server, reducing what local observers can see and changing the IP address websites associate with your connection.
The basics
What does VPN stand for?
VPN stands for virtual private network. “Virtual” means the connection is created by software rather than a dedicated physical line. “Private” describes the encrypted path between your device and the VPN server. “Network” refers to the connected systems that carry your traffic to its destination.
A VPN gives you more privacy on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network, a safer connection while travelling, and a VPN server's IP address instead of the address assigned to your home or mobile network.
Inside the tunnel
How does a VPN work?
A VPN app uses a tunnelling protocol to authenticate with a VPN server and negotiate encryption. Once connected, traffic routed through the VPN is wrapped in encrypted packets, sent to the VPN server, and then forwarded to the final website or service.
You connect
The app authenticates your device and establishes a secure tunnel with a VPN server.
Traffic is encrypted
Data travelling between your device and the VPN server is encrypted so local networks cannot casually read it.
The server forwards it
The VPN server sends requests onward, so websites generally see the server's IP address and approximate location.
Privacy in practice
What does a VPN protect?
Your public IP address
Websites and services can see the VPN server's public IP instead of the IP assigned to your home or mobile network.
Traffic on public Wi-Fi
Encryption protects data travelling from your device to the VPN server on shared or unfamiliar networks.
Your approximate location
Services typically use the VPN server's IP geolocation, which can differ from your local network's location.
DNS requests
With a full-tunnel connection, DNS requests travel through the VPN alongside the rest of your traffic.
Everyday use cases
When is a VPN useful?
A VPN gives you an encrypted connection from your device to a trusted VPN server. It is especially useful when you connect on public Wi-Fi, travel, work remotely, or want to keep your everyday IP address private.
Public Wi-Fi
Encryption protects the connection between your device and the VPN server on hotel, airport, café, or other shared networks.
Travel
A VPN protects your traffic while you move between unfamiliar networks and generally shows websites the VPN server's approximate location.
Remote work
When you work remotely, a VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, including on a shared or unfamiliar network.
Everyday browsing
When your device is connected, a VPN routes your traffic through its server, masking your public IP address and adding privacy to routine browsing, messaging, and app use.
Put privacy into practice
Ready to use a VPN?
Libraprox helps you connect through secure VPN locations with native IKEv2/StrongSwan tunnelling, unlimited use, and a zero traffic logs commitment. Review the details in our app privacy policy, then download the app or check your current connection.
Common questions
VPN FAQ
Is using a VPN legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries and are widely used for security, remote work, and privacy. Local laws still apply to what you do online, and some countries regulate VPN services, so check the rules where you live or travel.